Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE
David Blough is the new offensive coordinator. The Washington Commanders are taking a big risk with the rookie play-caller, but there is a growing sense around the league that, for once, head coach Dan Quinn may have gotten ahead of the game.
Blough's scheme is expected to be more pro-friendly for quarterback Jayden Daniels. It's also anticipated that his system will feature tight ends more prominently, with Chig Okonkwo, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott as the focal points.
Colson Yankoff is not going away quietly. The 2024 undrafted free agent is embarking on his third offseason with the club. He's been used sparingly so far, but the growth displayed at minicamp indicates he has another decent chance of making the 53-man roster.
The Commanders allocated four spots to the tight end unit last season. Blough's intentions suggest the same approach will be implemented, and Yankoff is in pole position for the spot.
Joshua Josephs - Commanders DE/OLB
The Commanders significantly strengthened their edge-rushing room this offseason. Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu were signed in free agency. Drake Jackson and Deatrich Wise Jr. both got new one-year deals, and Dorance Armstrong Jr. is making decent progress from a knee injury that ended his breakout campaign ahead of time.
That did not stop Adam Peters from selecting Joshua Josephs in the fifth round. He was the highest-rated player on their board at the time, believing he would have been taken much higher. Looking at the way he's flashed so far, the Tennessee product has all the makings of a potential steal with some extra refinement.
Josephs' explosiveness as a pass-rusher is notable. He's quick off the snap with enough bend to cause problems. He's also made some impressive strides when dropping back into coverage, another wrinkle to his game that's largely overlooked.
If the same trend continues over the summer, Josephs could impact the defensive rotation immediately.
Robert Henry Jr. - Commanders RB
Washington's running back room has strength. A genuine competition is brewing for roster spots and reps, with several catching the eye during the team's offseason workouts. Intensity will ramp up in camp, but there should be plenty of twists and turns to come.
While the likes of Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White are generating the headlines, undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. has also laid down an early marker. He seems lower down the pecking order than most, but his quickness and conviction came across encouragingly at minicamp.
Henry had a productive college career. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Commanders saw something in the player and gave him $200,000 guaranteed on his rookie contract to beat out the competition. There is a long way to go, but he's obviously keen to repay this faith.
Making the practice squad seems more likely than forcing his way onto the roster. But Henry is a name for fans to watch when the preseason arrives.
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